In Focus: Moon Jars
Improvers & Intermediate
Progressing Skills
Date and Time: Friday 10 July - Sunday 12 July, 10am – 4pm.
Each of the In Focus workshops explores a skill through rigorous repetition. The teaching is rooted in repetition and instructive feedback. The participant leaves with a stronger skill set and one fired pot to remember the experience. Participants are encouraged to bring a notebook and pen to take notes.
Overview
This three-day, practice-based throwing course is designed for improvers and intermediate potters who wish to deepen their skills and take on a demanding and rewarding form.
Traditionally, moon jars are made by throwing and joining two large bowls to create a near-spherical form. This method will form the basis of the course. Making two-part pots is technically challenging, and achieving a balanced spherical form requires care, patience and attention. Participants will begin with practice bowls, refining their throwing and joining techniques with guidance from the tutor, before progressing to their own moon jars.
Historically, moon jars were made in porcelain, a material that presents particular difficulties at scale. For this course we will instead use the Leach Pottery’s own clay blend, predominantly sourced from St Agnes. This is a responsive, robust throwing clay, with sufficient grit to support the demands of the form.
Originating in Korea during the Joseon Dynasty, moon jars are celebrated for their quiet presence, balance and generosity of form. One of the most well-known moon jars outside Korea is the example acquired in Seoul in 1935 by Bernard Leach. As noted by Christie’s, Leach drew great inspiration from this jar, often referring to it in his letters and writings. After his death it passed to his friend Lucie Rie, and following her death it entered the collection of the British Museum, where it can be seen today.
The course is taught in small groups of five, in one of the Leach Pottery’s purpose-built Learning & Production Studios, allowing for focused teaching and a supportive working environment.
Structure
Day 1: Practice throwing bowl forms on the wheel and make bowls with increasing amounts of clay as the day progresses. Participants will be encouraged to go beyond their comfort level in terms of the amount of clay they use for their bowls. The group will use callipers to make sure they have pairs of bowls with the same diameter to be joined.
Day 2: Participants will join their bowls together and finish the rims. Refining the shapes, rims and feet of the jars. If time allows then more bowls can be started to finish on our final day.
Day 3: Finishing our moon jars. Refining the shapes by trimming and putting together extra jars. Option to cover/decorate moon jars with a white clay slip.
The course covers:
- overview of clay preparation and proficient centring
- throwing technique
- history of moon jars
- throwing to specific measurements
- throwing with up to 5 Kg of clay (or as much as participants feel comfortable using)
Firing
These throwing courses are written to help participants build strong, repeatable skills through hands-on practice and expert guidance from the tutor. We don’t take a firing-focused approach. Instead, one piece will be selected for firing, this piece needs to be within the footprint of 30 x 30 x 30cm, it will be posted* up to 12 weeks after the course has finished. Participants may take home up to two additional unfired pieces. This emphasis on making—without the pressure or attachment that often comes with firing—encourages a more focused, process-led experience.
*if the address that you would like your work posting to is non-UK, extra postage will apply.
Ability & Skill Level
These throwing courses are suitable for both improvers and advanced participants. As sessions are taught in small groups, the tutor is able to provide tailored support to each participant, regardless of their skill level. Abilities are self-identified, so there may be a range of experience within the group—but everyone is supported at their own pace.
When: Friday 10 July - Sunday 12 July
Where: The Leach Pottery Learning & Production Studios
Places: 5
Price: £480
Duration: 3 days. Core teaching hours: 10am – 4pm.
Please arrive at 9.30am on the first day of your course for the welcome session.
Equipment & materials: clay and a basic tool kit is provided. We focus on building core skills and working directly with the clay to get the most from a core selection of tools. Please bring additional tools if you wish to use them along with an apron and hand towel.
Level: Improver & Intermediate (See here for explanation of skill level criteria)
*if the address that you would like your work posting to is non-UK, extra postage will apply.
We are delighted to offer one 10% discount in our Shop during your course.
Any questions? Please visit out FAQ — The Leach Pottery
Please be aware, only assistance dogs are allowed in the Learning spaces.
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